Using partonic states we verify the transverse momentum dependent factorization for single transverse spin asymmetries in semi inclusive DIS at leading but nontrivial order of alpha_s. The factorization has been previously derived in a formal way by using diagram expansion at hadron level. We find with our partonic results that two relevant structure functions satisfy the factorization. Our results also satisfy the collinear factorization but with the perturbative coefficient different than that derived formally.
A consistent phenomenological approach to the computation of transverse single spin asymmetries in inclusive hadron production is presented, based on the assumed generalization of the QCD factorization theorem to the case in which quark intrinsic motion is taken into account. New k_T and spin dependent quark distribution and fragmentation functions are considered: some of them are fixed by fitting data on p(transv. polarized) + p -> pion + X and predictions are given for single spin asymmetries in l + p(transv. polarized) -> pion + X and gamma^* + p(transv. polarized) -> pion + X processes.
We use the Boer-Mulders functions parameterized from unpolarized $p+D$ Drell-Yan data by the FNAL E866/NuSea Collaboration combined with recently extracted Collins functions to calculate the $cos 2 phi$ asymmetries in unpolarized semi-inclusive deeply inelastic scattering (SIDIS) processes both for ZEUS at Hadron Electron Ring Accelerator (HERA) and Jefferson Lab experiments (JLab), and to compare our results with their data. We also give predictions for the $cos 2 phi$ asymmetries of SIDIS in the kinematical regime of HERMES Collaboration, and the forthcoming JLab experiments. We predict that the $cos 2 phi$ asymmetries of semi-inclusive $pi^-$ production are somewhat larger than that of $pi^+$ production. We suggest to measure these two processes separately, which will provide more detail information on the Boer-Mulders functions as well as on the Collins functions.
We consider possible mechanisms for single spin asymmetries in inclusive Deep Inelastic Scattering (DIS) processes with unpolarized leptons and transversely polarized nucleons. Tests for the effects of non-zero $bfk_perp$, for the properties of spin dependent quark fragmentations and for quark helicity conservation are suggested.
Single transverse-spin asymmetries have been studied intensively both in experiment and theory. Theoretically, two factorization approaches have been proposed. One is by using transverse-momentum-dependent factorization and the asymmetry comes from the so called Sivers function. Another is by using collinear factorization where the nonperturbative effect is parameterized by a twist-3 hadronic matrix element. However, the factorized formulas for the asymmetries in the two approaches are derived at hadron level formally by diagram expansion, where one works with various parton density matrices of hadrons. If the two factorizations hold, they should also hold at parton level. We examine this for Drell-Yan processes by replacing hadrons with partons. By calculating the asymmetry, Sivers function and the twist-3 matrix element at nontrivial leading order of $alpha_s$, we find that we can reproduce the result of the transverse-momentum-dependent factorization. But we can only verify the result of the collinear factorization partly. Two formally derived relations between Sivers function and the twist-3 matrix element are also examined with negative results.
We analyze the longitudinal-transverse double-spin asymmetry in lepton-nucleon collisions where a single hadron is detected in the final state, i.e., $vec{ell},N^uparrow rightarrow h,X$. This is a subleading-twist observable in collinear factorization, and we look at twist-3 effects in both the transversely polarized nucleon and the unpolarized outgoing hadron. Results are anticipated for this asymmetry from both HERMES and Jefferson Lab Hall A, and it could be measured as well at COMPASS and a future Electron-Ion Collider. We also perform a numerical study of the distribution term, which, when compared to upcoming experimental results, could allow one to learn about the worm-gear-type function $tilde{g}(x)$ as well as assess the role of quark-gluon-quark correlations in the initial-state nucleon and twist-3 effects in the fragmenting unpolarized hadron.